An Overreaction Continues

Or is it misreaction. I haven't updated and posted much lately in part because of the holidays, but I have followed the developments in Gaza. I believed in earlier posts that the Israeli reaction was not going to solve the crisis but make it worse and make violence increase. Unfortunately, that seems to have happened. The violence has only been escalating

While things where not perfect prior to the kidnapping of the young 19 yr old Israeli soldier, Hamas was feeling the pressure to make compromises and concessions; It was feeling the pressure from Palestinian President Abbass to finally recognize Israel (once though unthinkable) through Abbas' promises to take the issue to the Palestinian people in a vote. It was feeling the pressures associated with running a nation, of having to govern, of having the international community financially pressure it to moderate. All things considered, recognition would of been progress. Who believes now that Hamas will still feel compelled to do so?

As I mentioned before, I really believe that elements in Hamas took it upon themselves to do this with the knowledge that Israel would respond the way it did. Its precisely what they wanted. And hey if in the end they can get some Palestinian women and children out of jail, it will certainly be icing on the cake for them, but the main goal of eliminating the pressure to moderate and compromise has certainly already been achieved.

Although the source of the quote - A Hamas legislative faction spokesman - is certainly biased, I have to agree with his assessment: (from the above cited article)

Mr. Bardawil, who serves as spokesman for the Hamas faction in the
legislature, said that Israel's actions are increasing the popularity of Hamas. "Israel wants us to raise our hands in surrender," he said. "But the Palestinian people, led by Hamas, have developed a strong psyche. The more pressure we face, the more we will be steadfast and resist."

That's not entirely true, it should be amended to say that the more military pressure is applied, the more popular Hamas gets. Its the type of pressure Hamas loves to instigate.